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Dustin Luca
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SALEM, MASS. – When Matthew Beckett approached a convocation podium on opening day, addressing Salem State University’s newest Vikings, he spoke not only as their student trustee, but as someone who has faced moments of destiny head-on.
“Our commanders told us, ‘You are about to embark on your next rendezvous with destiny,’” Beckett said, addressing the class of 2029. “Today, I believe the same is true for every single one of you.”
Beckett, a senior majoring in history with a minor in legal studies, has been appointed to serve on Salem State University’s Board of Trustees for the 2025-26 academic year. It’s a new opportunity to serve for a student with several years of military service behind him.
Originally from Maryland and Kentucky, Beckett served five years in the Kentucky Army National Guard before serving two more on active duty with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He served overseas beginning in 2022, when his unit deployed to Eastern Europe in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Following his military service, Beckett was drawn to Salem for its history, he explained.
“I’ve always had a strong interest in Salem, Mass. because of the history, so I ended up moving to Salem and coming to school here,” Beckett said prior to convocation. “It has been a real blessing, I’ll tell ya. I’ve met a lot of nice people here.”
Qualities that made Beckett a trusted voice in the Army—listening, advocating, and standing up for others—are the same ones he will now bring to Salem State’s Board of Trustees. It’s a spirit of mentorship that came through clearly as he addressed the newest group of Vikings to join the community at their academic convocation on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
“The 101st Airborne has a motto that has stuck with me ever since: ‘Rendezvous with Destiny,’” Beckett told the incoming class. “This motto reminds us that our future isn’t something that just happens. It’s something we meet head-on. A rendezvous is an appointment you just simply can’t miss.”
For Beckett, destiny is built in the day-to-day: in late-night study sessions, in mistakes that teach resilience and the hard-earned successes between them. “That’s you building your path toward destiny,” Beckett said.
“It won’t always be easy. In fact, it will be extremely difficult,” he said. “But it will always be worth it, because you’re preparing not just for a career, but for a life of purpose.”
Looking ahead, Beckett is preparing for the LSAT this fall with hopes of attending the Charleston School of Law. But for now, his focus remains on serving the students at Salem State University. He was sworn in as student trustee on Aug. 28 and will attend his first meeting as trustee tomorrow, Sept. 24.
“As you begin this journey, remember: your destiny isn’t written yet. It’s waiting for you to shape it,” Beckett said. “Take risks. Ask big questions. Be kind and courageous. Use your time here at Salem State University to not just succeed, but to discover what truly matters to you and how you can make a difference in this world.”